Avoid Sun Damage With These Skin Care Tips for Summer

During the summertime, you’ll want to spend plenty of time outdoors. The intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet energy can cause damage to your skin, putting you at risk for sunburn and cancer. Fortunately, there are some highly effective ways to protect yourself from the sun this summer without having to spend all of your time indoors. Follow these easy tips to stay safe in the sun all summer long.

Use Sunscreen

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It offers protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. You might wonder which SPF prevents sunburn. For the best protection, choose an SPF of 30 or higher. If you have light skin, consider SPF 50. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on how frequently to apply sunscreen. Brevard Health Alliance offers diagnosis and treatment for this painful condition if you do get a sunburn that peels or blisters.

Avoid Peak Sun Intensity

When possible, avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Even on a cloudy day, it’s best to stay inside between these times because this is when the sun’s energy is the most intense. Look at the local weather forecast. It will have a UV index during the summer. The UV index shows the intensity of the sun’s energy for each hour of the day.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wear ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing and a sun hat to protect yourself from the sun. Choose a UPF of 50 or higher for excellent protection from sunburn.[4] If possible, pair the UPF clothing and a wide-brimmed sun hat with a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher.

Brevard Health Alliance offers sunburn care and treatment for heat-related conditions. For more information about staying safe in the sun, contact us today.